Just north of Clonmel, the best known cider around these parts busses out of the ginormous Bulmers and Magners factory five miles down the road. Needless to say, The Apple Farm of Tipperary produce their apple-based brews on a far smaller scale but it’s still not unusual to find their bottles of apple juice, jams and vinegar sitting in the shops many miles away across the country. The Apple Farm has know how to keep things high quality and, thankfully, the same applies to their camping.
Situated in a meadow behind a pair of large barns, this relatively basic camping meadow welcomes campervans, caravans and tent campers. It’s reached via a driveway that cuts between rows of pick-your-own strawberries on one side and the long lines of apple trees on the other, which leads, in turn, into a parking area with the barns in front and a well equipped children’s play area to one side. Inside the barn crates and pallets are stacked with green bottles of their juices and produce – all very rough and ready, reflecting the fact that this is the production line rather than a glitzy shop.
Ablutions facilities are also housed inside a barn, with a row of toilets, showers and a washing up area for dishes, along with some picnic benches where you can sit and eat if it rains. For a small sum, you can also grab a box and head out to fill your boots with strawberries.
Elsewhere it’s a short drive to the town of Cashel home to one of the midlands most famous attractions – The Rock of Cashel. Set atop a dramatic limestone escarpment, this collection of medieval buildings dates as far back as the 5th century when it became the seat of the Kings of Munster. Many of the buildings are now in ruins, but some have been restored and there is plenty to keep you occupied. For active types, a slightly longer drive west takes you quickly into the Galtee mountain range where there is a range of fantastic walks, the best way to burn off all those strawberries!
It’s around 4 miles to Cahir town, dating back to the 12th century when the fortified settlement was built on an island in the river Suir. Since those early days the town has been fought over, seized and recaptured multiple times and today retains a picturesque castle (00353 52 7441011) as the main attraction. Guided tours and audio-visual tours are available, with admission at €3 for adults. It’s just a mile further to The Swiss Cottage (00353 52 744 1144), an example of the ‘Cottage Ornee’ popular with 19th-century gentry. It was built in 1810 by the famous English architect John Nash and has a quaint thatched roof and wooden features. The only way to get inside the cottage is to take a tour but they only cost €2.50 for adults and less for children. It’s a pleasant walk from the castle if you want to do both without using the car.
